Governor Signs Expanded Healthcare Legislation Package

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the signing of a legislative package for essential equitable health care access on Wednesday.

Medicaid reimbursement is now required for ambulance services when treatment or transport ends with a patient in an alternate care facility rather than a general hospital. Ground ambulance services and advanced life support services are also permitted to store, distribute, and transfuse blood, similar to air ambulances. The package reaffirms New York’s commitment to keeping the public safe and healthy whilst also improving the outcome of patients as a whole. 

“Simply put, authorizing the storage of blood for the administering of transfusions on ambulances will save lives,” said Assemblymember Carrie Woerner. I’m truly thankful for Governor Hochul’s support of public health and her focus on improving access to quality care in our state.”

The legislation aims to close the disparities in healthcare across the State, such as distance constraints in rural areas. It is all part of Hochul’s continued efforts of expanding healthcare services all around New York.